DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 October 1928, Page 5

DOMINION ITEMS.

LEATHER TRADE. SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 4.

Arrangements have now been -completed between the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and the leather trade for a programme of investigation of various important phases of the leather industry. After negotiating for .almost twelve months, agreement has been reached and the appointment of a chemist to attack various sides of the problems presented is expected shortly. Samples of New Zealand leathers are being tested on a machine recently designed for the purpose on a pattern made by the United States Bureau of Standard*, and the results of the New Zealand tests will he compared with those made in a special machine at Washington before the results are published. Samples of tanning bark have been sent to Australia for testing, and arrangements have been made for analysis of the water in use at the various tanneries, it having been ascertained that the composition of the water affects the quantity ot leather produced.

WHALING SEASON. ROSS* SEA COMPANY’S OPERATIONS. , DUNEDIN, Oct. 4. The disaster which overtook the C. A. Larsen at Stewart Island in February last has not interfered with the plans of the Ross Sea Whaling Company in any way. The Sir James Clark Ross and the C. A. Larsen are at present en route from Norway to Port Chalmers where they are expected to arrive early in November. After refitting at Port Chalmers the two whalers will proceed to the base at Stewart Island and will leave there before the end of November for the Ross Sea, accompanied by about 10 chasers, which have been overhauled the Paterson Inlet base during the off season. The eagerness of the company to make an early start would indicate that whales are numerous in the Ross Sea and that another successful season is anticipated.

“HAZARD SCHOOL.” EIGHT MEN ARRESTED. WELLINGTON, October 5. This morning detectives raided a hazard school in progress on Glasgow Wharf and arrested eight men—Josephs (23), Henry Joseph Richards (41), Charles Munn (40), Stilton William Thomas (26), John Knight (40), Albert James Murray (45), William Ernest Crossman (38). xnis afternoon fines of £3 each were imposed. WOMAN’S BODY FOUND. AUCKLAND, October 4. The body of an unknown woman was found in the scrub near Knox Home, Panmure, to-night. Death had occurred several days ago. The woman, who is beleived to have been young, was weaving a man’s overcoat. KAIAPOI FIRE. DRILL HALL DESTROYED.

CHRISTCHURCH, October 5. Kaiapoi Drill Hall was completely destroyed by fire to-night. The fiie had a strong hold on the roof of the building when the alarm was given, and, though the Brigade was soon on the scene, it had little chance of coping with the outbreak. The hall uas erected in 1886 by the Kaiapoi Rifle Volunteers.' It was taken over by the Defence Department in 1912. The burning of the hall will be a great los c to Kaiapoi, as it was freely used foi large public gatherings. The Kaiapoi Band lost music and instruments which were insured loi £2OO. A piano and crockery belonging to the Caledonian Society were also destroyed. The piano was insured for £SO. The ball contained rifles, ammunition, and, uniforms belonging to the Defence Department. WRONG IMPRESSION CREATED. CHRISTCHURCH, October 5. “Quite a wrong impression has been created,” said Mr Hally, Conciliation Commissioner, at the Conciliation Council, investigating the motor mechanics’ dispute, “by the publication of a statement attributed to Mr Barter regarding a .strike occurring if piecework were adopted on the motoi manufacturing trade of New Zealand. As a matter of fact, the remarks on both sides were made in a jocular manner. Piecework will be discussed very seriously by both sides at to-morrow’s sitting and the prospects are that a very- reasonable solution ol the difficulty will he arrived at.”

Mr Hally reported that generally' good 0 progress had been made at the Council meeting to-day, which was resuming to-morrow. WHARF AFIRE. W AIR-0 A,. October 5. This morning, a fire occurred on the wharf at Waikokopu. Richardson’s steamer, Mako, coming into port at an early hour noticed the rope shed and wntersiders’ room ablaze, and immediately got out the ship’s hoses. The ci'ew quickly subdued the flames, but not before the waiting room and shed containing a quantity of gear, were completely destroyed, and a piece of wharf decking burned. The promptitude of the Mako’s captain undoubtedly saved the wharf from destruction,